Treatment for Depression
Are you feeling depressed? You’re not alone. Depression is one of the most common mental health issues in the United States, affecting around 17 million Americans every year. It doesn’t discriminate – it can impact children, teens, adults, and the elderly.
Sometimes, depression can be mild, where a person can push through despite not feeling themselves. However, depression can also manifest with major symptoms, such as a persistent depressed mood for weeks or even months, an inability to find joy in life, sleep disturbance, worthlessness, guilt, hopelessness, difficulty concentrating, or wishing you could go to sleep and not wake up.
We understand that depression can plunge you into hopelessness, making it seem like things will never improve. The reassuring fact is that depression treatment can be effective. At the Houston Center for Valued Living, we’ve assembled a team of dedicated and compassionate therapists who will meet you wherever you are on your journey out of depression.
What is Depression?
Depression is not a choice, nor is it your fault. For some individuals, depression arises following a significant life event, such as the loss of a loved one, divorce, major life transitions like leaving home for college or adapting to adult life, or even high-stress circumstances. For others, depression seems to emerge without any apparent cause.
Depression lingers, but what exactly is it? Do you experience persistent feelings of sadness? Have you been feeling down for a while? Or do you find yourself disconnected from your usual self? Is it a struggle to summon the motivation to engage in anything? These, among other things, can indicate depression
Symptoms of Depression
Depression can impact your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. While many associate depression with feeling sad or down, some individuals don’t necessarily feel sad; they struggle to experience joy or interest in activities they once enjoyed. Anxiety can also coexist with depression.
You don’t need to experience every depression symptom to be considered depressed. Some individuals are referred to as “functioning depressed” or have “smiling depression.” This means they might appear fine on the outside, but internally, they’re aware that it’s taking extra effort, and something isn’t quite right. Therapy for depression can assist you in rediscovering the spark and enthusiasm for life that you yearn for.
Below are some common symptoms of depression:
Emotional Symptoms of Depression:
- Feelings of sadness, emptiness, and hopelessness.
- A sense of emotional numbness.
- Feelings of worthlessness.
- Experiencing excessive guilt.
Cognitive Symptoms of Depression:
- Difficulty in thinking or concentrating.
- Inability to stop thinking about past failures.
- Struggles in making decisions regarding everyday matters.
- Thoughts about being better off dead.
- Wishing for death or the ability to sleep and not wake up.
Behavioral Symptoms of Depression:
- Frequent episodes of excessive crying.
- Gradual decrease in activity levels.
- Difficulty in responding to others (possibly avoiding phone calls).
- Procrastination and waiting until energy levels increase to take action.
- Trouble finding enjoyment in previously pleasurable activities.
- Loss of interest in activities.
- Thoughts or plans of self-harm or suicide. If you are seriously considering self-harm, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988.
Physical Symptoms of Depression:
- Decreased appetite or needing to force yourself to eat.
- Increased appetite or cravings for sugary and carbohydrate-rich foods.
- Sleep disturbances, such as difficulty falling or staying asleep.
- Excessive sleeping, including daytime sleeping and longer sleep durations.
- Restlessness, evidenced by pacing, hand wringing, skin or clothes picking or rubbing.
- Slowed speech and thought processes.
- Sluggish body movements.
- Persistent fatigue, consistent tiredness.
- Easily becoming exhausted by routine tasks.
Houston Center for Valued Living’s Approach to Depression Treatment
You don’t have to face this journey alone. Therapy can provide the support you need to conquer depression and break free from its suffocating grip on your life. It’s possible you believe that these feelings will never change, but we’re here to show you that a life beyond depression is attainable.
We offer a comprehensive array of scientifically supported psychological treatments to aid you in overcoming the challenges of depression. Some of these treatments include:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Depression
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
- Compassion Focused Therapy
- Mindfulness
We are fully prepared and eager to assist you in discovering effective strategies to combat depression, allowing you to channel your energy back into the activities that truly matter to you. Schedule your first therapy session today.
Begin Therapy for Depression with Houston Center for Valued Living
Operating from our Houston-based counseling clinic, we cater to children, adults, and families across the metropolitan area. If you’re ready to collaborate with one of our specialized therapists for depression treatment, take the first step by reaching out today.
Your journey with us begins in our cozy counseling office located in the Montrose / Museum District neighborhood of Houston. If you reside in the Greater Houston area or its vicinity, you can easily schedule an appointment through our online booking system, or by reaching out to any of our therapists via phone or email.
Distance doesn’t have to prevent you from receiving treatment for depression. Our convenient telehealth sessions are available to any Texan resident, whether you are based in Houston or elsewhere in the state.
Not sure if you’re ready to start therapy for depression?
We understand that deciding to begin treatment for depression can feel overwhelming. However, we believe that taking the first step will ultimately prove rewarding. Below are some common concerns you might have about beginning therapy.
“I’ve heard treatment for depression takes years.”
The good news is that treatment doesn’t need to span years. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for depression is designed to specifically target depressive disorders. This means you won’t spend time working on things that won’t help your depression. Treatment is tailored to you and your concerns. If you’d like to learn more about how therapy can assist you, please call one of our dedicated therapists today for a free 20-minute phone consultation.
“It’s hard to find time to start therapy for depression”
Under the cloud of depression, prioritizing yourself can be challenging. At the Houston Center for Valued Living, we’re committed to helping you make the most of your time so you can lead your best life. For most individuals, finding an hour a week is achievable. We offer appointments 6 days a week, with early morning, evening, and weekend slots available. We understand that talking to a stranger about personal matters may feel strange or difficult. Rest assured, we’ve heard it all. While keeping things bottled up might seem safe, sharing your concerns with a trained professional often leads to relief.
“It takes too much energy to go to therapy”
We understand that navigating traffic and traveling across town can be energy-draining. But therapy sessions are only 50 minutes long. You don’t need to dread traffic and parking, as we offer telehealth sessions from the convenience of your home.
Not in Houston? No worries. We also offer telehealth sessions for the entire state of Texas because finding help can be tough. You can attend therapy during your lunch break from your phone or laptop, or from the comfort of your home while your toddler naps. Online therapy isn’t for everyone though, and many clients enjoy taking a break from their routines to meet with their therapist in person!
“I’m not sure I’m worth the cost of therapy for depression.”
We recognize therapy as an investment in your life quality, health, and relationships. We believe there’s significant value in regaining vitality and fulfillment. Depression can rob you of the ability to enjoy the world and see yourself as worthy of growth. If you’re tired of living under depression’s grip and want your life back, schedule today. Investing in yourself here is a step in the right direction.
Procrastination Station
Many delay starting therapy due to questions, time constraints, fears, and financial worries. While we don’t accept insurance, we do offer sliding scale services for qualifying individuals to help offset costs. We work to maximize your sessions so you can feel like yourself again. It’s time to prioritize yourself and take the first step toward relief from your depression today. You can find more information on therapy costs here.
As a Houston based counseling clinic, our caring therapists also offer therapy for anxiety disorders and anxiety treatment, obsessive compulsive disorder, maternal mental health, counseling for children and therapy for teens. We also offer tips for improving your overall mental health on our blog. Call one of our therapists today or send an email to: info@hcfvl.com to learn more about how Houston Center for Valued Living can help you take the next step toward creating your best life. If you’re ready to get started today, head on over to our easy online scheduling system where you can make an appointment immediately with just a few clicks.